Wall covering materials are commonly made from paper, fabric, or foam, with decorative patterns on the surface for wall decoration purposes. Wallpaper enhances aesthetics while protecting the wall surface from negative environmental impacts.

Wallpaper typically consists of three main layers: a polymer plastic layer, a Melium layer, and a paper backing layer.

• Polymer (or Vinyl) plastic layer: The outermost layer that creates gloss and smoothness while improving fire resistance and moisture resistance.

• Melium layer: The middle layer made of Melium dry adhesive material to enhance waterproof performance.

• Paper backing layer: The innermost thin paper layer that connects the adhesive with the wall surface.

Wallpaper is currently a widely used material in construction projects due to its convenience, reasonable price, and ease of installation and replacement. On June 30, 2023, the Ministry of Construction issued Circular No. 04/2023/TT-BXD promulgating QCVN 16:2023/BXD, effective from January 1, 2024. Accordingly, wall covering materials must obtain conformity certification and conformity declaration before being circulated on the market.

Subjects Required to Obtain Conformity Certification

Organizations and individuals engaged in manufacturing, importing, trading, and using the construction material products listed in the product table below.

Technical Requirements for Decorative and Finishing Materials under QCVN 16:2023/BXD

• Test reports do not specify the Sb limit for wall covering materials with ignitable characteristics.

• The As limit does not apply to wall covering materials treated for antibacterial and anti-fungal purposes.

Conformity Assessment Methods for Wallpaper Materials

• Method 5: Assessment of the production process and testing of typical samples (for domestic manufacturers).

• Method 7: Assessment of product batches and typical testing (for importers).

Benefits of Certifying Wallpaper Materials in Compliance with QCVN 16:2023/BXD

• Compliance with legal requirements and quality management regulations of the Ministry of Construction and the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality. Products are affixed with the CR conformity mark and labeled before market circulation, meeting conformity requirements and reducing inspection risks.

• Improvement of product quality, attraction of customers, increase in revenue and competitiveness, and better ability to participate in bidding packages.

• Clear and effective quality management processes that enhance internal management, minimize errors, and improve organizational performance. Support for international market access and business expansion with foreign partners and customers.

• Ensuring safety during use, limiting low-quality products containing chemical compounds exceeding permitted limits, and meeting increasing customer demands for safe and convenient products.

The ISSQ Institute has been designated by the Ministry of Construction with the competence to conduct conformity certification under QCVN 16:2023/BXD. With an experienced team of experts, ISSQ has been trusted by organizations and individuals for certification services.

Conformity Certification Process at ISSQ Institute

1. Receiving the certification registration dossier

2. Signing the science and technology service contract

3. Conducting on-site survey and assessment at the enterprise

4. Completing the dossier after assessment

5. Appraisal and issuance of the certificate (if compliant)

6. Conducting surveillance assessment once every 12 months

7. Conducting re-certification assessment (certificate validity: 3 years)

After obtaining the conformity certificate for wallpaper products such as wallpaper rolls, finished wallpaper, vinyl wall covering materials, and plastic wall covering materials in compliance with QCVN 16:2023/BXD, organizations must declare conformity at the Department of Construction or competent state authority at the business registration location in accordance with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN and Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BKHCN.

QCVN 16:2023/BXD officially takes effect from January 1, 2024. Therefore, organizations and enterprises engaged in the production and trading of wall covering materials need to develop plans to study and comply with the issued regulation.

ISSQ Institute is always ready to accompany enterprises during the period of integration and development.

Please contact hotline: (+84) 981851111 

Email: vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn

We are honored to serve our customers.

Posted date: January 11, 2024